SSS, MMDA sign agreement to provide social security coverage to contractual workers

MANILA — The Social Security System (SSS) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Tuesday to provide social security protection to job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers of the agency through the KaSSSAngga Collect Program.

Under the agreement, the MMDA will serve as an authorized coverage and collection partner of the SSS. Monthly contributions of JO and COS workers will be collected through salary deductions and remitted to the SSS.

Through the program, eligible workers will gain access to various SSS benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral and death benefits. They will also be eligible to apply for various SSS loan programs.

“Napakaimportante ng agreement na ‘to na aming pinirmahan today. More or less, nasa 2,400 pa ang JO at contractual employees. Alam naman natin na pag ganyan, walang masyadong benepisyo at wala ring retirement benefits,” MMDA Chairman Don Artes said.

“Madami dito sa amin, matagal nang nagtatrabaho sa MMDA ‘yung iba umaabot ng retirement age nang walang inaasahan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Atty. Antonio Argabioso, executive vice president of the SSS Branch Operations Sector, said the agency is working to improve benefits to encourage more Filipinos to contribute to the social security system.

“Taasan ‘yung benepisyo so that people will be encouraged to pay the contribution. Last year, nagdagdag po kami ng 10 percent increase sa pension. This year again, 10 percent and next year again without increasing the contribution,” he said.